Day 15 – Monday

Viator had been struggling with a severe cold for some days now, barely sleeping at night – and keeping Pooh wake as well. The nasal spray prescribed by the doctor was so intense that it caused burning in his nasal passages, eventually leading to nosebleeds. So his mood wasn’t so great this morning, but he needed to do some phone calls.

After yesterday’s unexpected return to Auckland, we needed to reach both the helicopter company and Avis in Queenstown to see if we could reschedule. One thing we’ve come to appreciate about New Zealand – beyond its stunning nature and rich culture – is the relaxed and friendly attitude that extends into the business world.

To our relief, rescheduling the helicopter flight was no problem at all. The weather forecast still promised clear skies for the next day, and the team was incredibly accommodating. Avis was just as easygoing – a refreshing contrast to some of our past experiences with other rental companies like Hertz. With this now sorted, our mood lifted, and we enjoyed a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport for our rescheduled flight.

Arrival in Queenstown – A Winter Welcome

This time, the flight went smoothly, and we finally landed in Queenstown – a town that truly lives up to its reputation. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is often called the “Adventure Capital of the World”, offering everything from bungy jumping and jet boating to scenic hikes and gourmet dining.

As we stepped off the plane, we were greeted by a crisp alpine breeze and a landscape that felt like winter had just arrived. The temperature had dropped to 4°C, and the surrounding mountains were dusted with snow – a dramatic change from the mild climate of Auckland.

Queenstown is surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most iconic peaks:

• The Remarkables – a jagged mountain range that lives up to its name, popular for skiing and hiking.
• Ben Lomond – a favorite among hikers, offering panoramic views from its summit.
• Cecil Peak and Walter Peak – towering across Lake Wakatipu, often reached by boat or scenic flights.

Our next challenge was finding a rental car that could fit all our luggage – no small task after two weeks on the road and two more to come. The staff at Avis Queenstown were incredibly patient and helpful. They let us try out three different vehicles and eventually handed us the largest van on the lot, free of an upcharge. It was a rare and much-appreciated gesture of true customer service.

Dinner in the Mountains

Our accommodation was located in Frankton, just across from the small Queenstown airport – a quiet area slightly outside the town center. Since the day was already well advanced, we decided not to head into Queenstown itself.

We were invited to dinner by our son’s host family and their parents, who live in a beautiful home nestled in the nearby mountains. With detailed directions in hand, we made our way up a steep, narrow road to their property, where we were warmly welcomed.

The evening was everything we hoped for – delicious food, heartfelt conversations, and a deep sense of New Zealand hospitality. It was the kind of night that reminds you why travel is so special: not just for the places you see, but for the people you meet.

Late that night, we returned to our hotel, full of gratitude and excitement for the next day. With the weather still looking promising, we were hopeful that our helicopter flight over the Southern Alps and Milford Sound would finally take place.